In July 2014, Washington Post Tehran bureau chief Jason Rezaian was arrested by Iranian police, accused of spying for America.

The charges were absurd. Rezaian’s reporting was a mix of human interest stories and political analysis. He had even served as a guide for Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. Initially, Rezaian thought the whole thing was a terrible misunderstanding, but soon realized that it was much more dire as it became an eighteen-month prison stint with impossibly high diplomatic stakes.

While in prison, Rezaian had tireless advocates working on his behalf. His brother lobbied political heavyweights including John Kerry and Barack Obama and started a social media campaign—#FreeJason—while Jason’s wife navigated the red tape of the Iranian security apparatus, all while the courts used Rezaian as a bargaining chip in negotiations for the Iran nuclear deal.

In Prisoner, Rezaian writes of his exhausting interrogations and farcical trial. He also reflects on his idyllic childhood in Northern California and his bond with his Iranian father, a rug merchant; how his teacher Christopher Hitchens inspired him to pursue journalism; and his life-changing decision to move to Tehran, where his career took off and he met his wife.

Written with wit, humor, and grace, Prisoner brings to life a fascinating, maddening culture in all its complexity.

Jason Rezaian served as Tehran bureau chief for the Washington Post and is now an opinion writer for the paper and contributor to CNN. He was convicted—but never sentenced—of espionage in a closed-door trial in Iran in 2015. He lives in Washington, DC, with his wife.

Anthony Bourdain introduces W. Kamau Bell (United Shades of America) to the distinctive sights, tastes, and sounds of Kenya. It is Bell's first trip to the African continent, and to a country that holds a personal connection for him. Through the eyes of Bourdain and Bell, and their first experiences with this highly dynamic deeply, soulful and beautiful country we ask, what will a future Kenya… for Kenyans…. by Kenyans…look like? In this special presentation, viewers will see an extended cut of the final episode finished with Anthony Bourdain's full involvement, and the last to feature his narration. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Bourdain's closest collaborators.

In the 1970’s Bruce Lee captivated African American audiences with his stylish and philosophical kung fu movies. Lee was a rarity—a non-white leading man fighting oppression, crime, and racism at a time when there were still signs that read: “No dogs or Chinese Allowed” and “Whites Only.” Through the physical, mental, and spiritual embodiment of martial arts, Lee modeled an intense pride in his own cultural heritage that was an inspiration to all people of color—especially young African American men. In a special gathering to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Lee’s passing, Emmy Award-winning comedian and author W. Kamau Bell, Bruce Lee biographer and cultural critic Jeff Chang, Bruce Lee’s daughter Shannon Lee, along with moderator and cultural anthropologist Sharon Ann Lee will explore Bruce Lee’s long-lasting legacy and how he became an unexpected icon for Afro-Asian unity.

This event is part of ALOUD, the Library Foundation of Los Angeles’ celebrated literary series of conversations, readings and performances at the downtown Central Library.

Penn State Students with valid ID will be able to pick up FREE tickets in the HUB Robeson Center and the Student Programming Association Office beginning on March 19th. FREE public tickets will be available on March 26th with no student ID.

Kamau Bell is a sociopolitical comedian and host of the hit Emmy Award-winning CNN docu-series, United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell. Before United Shades, Kamau was best known for his critically acclaimed – and criminally short-lived FX comedy series – Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. The New York Times called Kamau “the most promising new talent in political comedy in many years.” Kamau is proud to be the ACLU’s Ambassador of Racial Justice, although he’s also pretty upset that they didn’t give him a badge.

Kamau recently released his third comedy album, Semi-Prominent Negro, which is the audio from his Showtime comedy special of the same name. Kamau’s first book, The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell: Tales of a 6' 4", African American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, Mama's Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Comedian, was released May 2nd, 2017.. Kamau has a monthly public radio talk show, Kamau Right Now!, that airs on KALW in San Francisco. Kamau is quite excited about the two podcasts he co-hosts: Politically Re-Active with his friend and fellow comedian, Hari Kondabolu, and Denzel Washington is The Greatest Actor of All Time Periodwith his friend and fellow comedian Kevin Avery.

Kamau has been nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards, and he was featured on Conde Nast’s ‘Daring 25’ list for 2016 The SF Weekly called Kamau “smart, stylish, and very much in the mold of politically outspoken comedians like Dave Chappelle,” though he was mostly just excited that they called him “handsome."

Kamau Bell is a sociopolitical comedian and host of the hit Emmy Award-winning CNN docu-series, United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell. Before United Shades, Kamau was best known for his critically acclaimed – and criminally short-lived FX comedy series – Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. The New York Times called Kamau “the most promising new talent in political comedy in many years.” Kamau is proud to be the ACLU’s Ambassador of Racial Justice, although he’s also pretty upset that they didn’t give him a badge.

Kamau recently released his third comedy album, Semi-Prominent Negro, which is the audio from his Showtime comedy special of the same name. Kamau’s first book, The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell: Tales of a 6' 4", African American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, Mama's Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Comedian, was released May 2nd, 2017.. Kamau has a monthly public radio talk show, Kamau Right Now!, that airs on KALW in San Francisco. Kamau is quite excited about the two podcasts he co-hosts: Politically Re-Active with his friend and fellow comedian, Hari Kondabolu, and Denzel Washington is The Greatest Actor of All Time Periodwith his friend and fellow comedian Kevin Avery.

Kamau has been nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards, and he was featured on Conde Nast’s ‘Daring 25’ list for 2016 The SF Weekly called Kamau “smart, stylish, and very much in the mold of politically outspoken comedians like Dave Chappelle,” though he was mostly just excited that they called him “handsome."

Socio-political comedian, activist, and Emmy-nominated CNN host W. Kamau Bell kicks off the Oakland Symphony's groundbreaking new series inviting the major thinkers of our time to host and curate a concert and give us unique insights into their passions. This series will be a musical journey to unexpected and uncharted territory with your Oakland Symphony!

Toledo Lucas County Public Library and The Blade Present authors!AUTHORS!

authors! AUTHORS speakers series, a program that brings notable personalities to Toledo with an emphasis on pop culture and politics. On November 16, the Toledo County Public Library welcomes Emmy-Award winner, W. Kamau Bell.

W. Kamau Bell was named the Frank Sinatra Chair in the Performing Arts at Santa Clara University for 2017-18. Hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences Center for the Arts and Humanities, Bell will kick off his residency with a program Tuesday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Louis B. Mayer Theatre on campus.

As Sinatra Artist-in-Residence, Bell will mentor and engage with students, faculty, and the Santa Clara University community. He will also continue his professional work, such as producing podcasts, on campus. In addition to his program in the fall, Bell will be in residence the weeks of February 12, 2018 and April 30, 2018.

SAB is excited to announce that W. Kamau is the 2017 SHU Speaks speaker. Join us on Thursday, October 19 in the Main Lounge for a thought-provoking lecture and Q&A. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8 p.m.